'Something as simple as a licenses gives them a voice to be heard' One local advocate for equality speaks out on the new license change for non-binary individuals

Driver's in the state of Indiana now have the ability to change their gender to non-binary. News 10 spoke with locals to see their perspective on the change.

Posted: Mar 19, 2019 6:57 PM

Posted By: Jordan Kudisch

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI)- Indiana residents now have a gender-neutral option on drivers' licenses and state identification cards.

A recent change allows residents to legally identify themselves as non-binary which is a change from the traditional male and female options.

Those who don't identify as male or female will have the option to be labeled as "x" on their license.

News 10 spoke with two local people who have very different opinions on this change.

Caylin Walker is an Indiana resident who isn't excited to see a change in the state's driver's licensing system.

"I think it's a big mistake. I understand there's a lot of kids and a lot of people out there that are going through this that truly believe that they are transgender or they don't know who they are but I think it's an issue we need to address," said Walker.

On the other side of the issue, Breanna Pierce feels this is a positive step.

"I am very excited that finally, we are able to have the platform for non-binary individuals to actually say that they are non-binary on such a simple thing as a license," said Pierce.

Under Indiana law, people must provide gender information on their license, or i-d card application in order to get the 'x' designation and proof of a permanent gender change.

The BMV website says people could show an amended birth certificate or signed doctor's statement.

Walker disagrees with allowing this legal change... even if someone shows proof.

"There is only male and female...just because you feel that you're something else doesn't make that true. You're not biologically what you feel...you are what you are," said Walker.

Meanwhile, Pierce says this issue goes beyond just a license.

"We're finally getting a win. LGBTQ plus rights are getting somewhere, we are very close, small steps every time," said Pierce.

As of right now, Indiana is only one of seven states to make this change.